Atlanta United playmaker Thiago Almada has urged Lionel Messi to leave Inter Miami this summer to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Argentina this weekend qualified for this summer’s competition after beating Brazil 1-0 in a qualification playoff, with Messi hotly tipped to feature for the U-23 squad as one of the over-aged players.
Managed by former FC Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano, Messi could be tempted to answer the call, and MLS rival Almada has now urged the Inter Miami star to commit to the tournament.
Almada told Dsports when asked about Argentina qualifying for the Olympics and Messi potentially taking part: “I am very happy for the group and the coaching staff, they deserve it.
“We showed that we were better throughout the tournament, always surpassing our opponent. We have time to train and to continue to improve for the Olympic games.
“I hope Messi has the desire and can be at the Olympic games, it would be a dream. If Messi comes, I’ll give him the captain’s armband, obviously. Now they are the ones who have to decide if they come.
Inter Miami have to block Lionel Messi from going to the Olympics
The last thing Inter Miami will want is for their top player to go once more for another competition, especially as Messi is already expected to captain Argentina in this summer’s Copa America.
Even though Argentina’s football fans are passionate about the Olympics, most would accept if Messi was unable to participate due to the Copa America’s higher significance.
Furthermore, especially at Messi’s age, Inter Miami will not tolerate their finest player across the world to play in what are probably pointless soccer matches.
In fact, Inter Miami needs to scuttle Messi’s prospective trip to France as soon as possible since the 36-year-old attacker is too precious to take a chance on.
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